Veterinary Considerations for Exotic Pet Trends
by Jenny Alonge
Exotic pets are no longer limited to ferrets and iguanas. Pet owners are increasingly looking for ever more unique and unusual animals for companionship. This trend can challenge veterinarians, who find themselves caring for these animals. Certain considerations are necessary when treating exotic pets, and each animal requires different management techniques. In this article, we cover a few popular exotic pets and their management issues.
Sugar gliders
These squirrel-sized forest dwelling creatures come from Australia and New Guinea. Sugar gliders are highly social, often living in family colonies numbering up to seven adults and their offspring. They are mostly nocturnal, and have an omnivorous diet, but they do enjoy forest sweets such as acacia gum, eucalyptus sap, and flower nectar, which gives them their name. They have a soft membrane between their wrists and ankles called a patagium that allows them to glide from tree to tree, and a long tail that helps them steer as they glide. These small creatures can live four to five years in the wild and up to 15 years in domesticated situations, if cared for appropriately.
Healthy sugar gliders have bright eyes, a moist pink nose and gums, and the ability to grip with all four feet. Also, their gliding membrane should exhibit good elasticity. Prompt veterinary care is important when a sugar glider is ill because their health can decline quickly. Issues to consider include:
- Dehydration — Sugar gliders are especially susceptible to dehydration, and should be monitored carefully for a dry mouth and nose, low energy levels, sunken eyes, and loose skin.
- Malnutrition — Malnutrition is a common problem in sugar gliders. They should be fed a varied diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein from various sources, primarily insects. Commercial diets for sugar gliders are available, and fresh water should be provided at all times.
- Illness — Sugar gliders can be infected by many common bacteria, including several that are zoonotic, such as Salmonella, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Leptospira, and Toxoplasma species.
- Dental disease — Dental issues are common in sugar gliders, and regular dental cleanings may be needed. Sugar gliders tend to tolerate anesthesia well.
Hedgehogs
The species raised for the pet trade is the African pygmy hedgehog. They have keratin quills that cover their back and provide protection from predators. They curl into a ball by using their abdominal muscles, back muscles, and extra skin to tuck in their head, legs, and tail. Hedgehogs are solitary creatures, who typically eat insects, slugs, and snails, but may include fruits and vegetables in their diet. Hedgehogs live three to eight years in the wild and up to 10 years in captivity, when cared for properly.
The hedgehog’s ability to roll into a defensive ball can make veterinary care difficult. Issues to consider include:
- Examination — Healthy, unstressed hedgehogs should be active and eventually unroll and explore their environment. Their ventrum should be raised off the ground when they walk. The spiny areas may appear dry or flaky, but excessive flaking, quill loss, and crusting are abnormal. Chemical restraint is needed for further examination.
- Injections — Collecting blood can be a challenge. The hedgehog’s short neck can make finding the jugular vein difficult, and a blind stick is typically required. Subcutaneous injections can be given in the spiny or furred areas. Intravenous catheters are usually dislodged if the patient curls, so an intraosseous catheter can be placed in the tibial crest, which should remain accessible when the hedgehog curls.
- Imaging — X-rays can be useful for a diagnosis in hedgehogs, but their spines can obscure detail. For lateral views, the spines can be pulled away from the chest and abdomen, and secured using a plastic clip or tape. Ultrasonography may be a better imaging choice.
- Prevention — Hedgehogs have a short life span, and a tendency to hide illness, so wellness exams and blood work are recommended every six months. Uterine disease is common in hedgehogs, and prophylactic ovariohysterectomy is advised.
Chinchillas
These rodents come from the South American Andes Mountains. They are extremely social animals, and live in large colonies, called herds, of more than 100 chinchillas. Their diet contains mainly plants and seeds. Chinchillas live about 10 years in the wild, and up to 20 years in captivity, if cared for properly. They are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as endangered.
Pet chinchillas are usually seen by veterinarians for conditions related to age, trauma, or improper care. Infectious diseases are more common in colony animals raised for fur production, and tumors are rare. Issues to consider include:
- Illness — Signs indicating illness include inactivity, decreased appetite, weight loss, discharge from eyes, ears, or nose, hunched posture, unkempt coat, hair loss, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, drooling, or seizures.
- Treatment — Chinchillas do not tolerate antibiotics well, and they can cause digestive problems. Sick chinchillas are easily stressed, and should be handled as little as possible. Fluids (25 to 30 mls) can be given subcutaneously using two or more sites, in the scruff area or the lateral thorax. Chinchillas can release fur clumps when they feel threatened, called fur slip, and this defense mechanism can be a problem when administering subcutaneous fluids.
- Prevention — Young chinchillas should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year for a wellness exam and blood work. As they age, chinchillas may require more frequent visits. Male chinchillas can be neutered to decrease behavioral problems, and allow them to live with a female. Dental abnormalities are common, with drooling or a constant wet area under the chin, called slobbers, indicating a dental issue. A thorough dental examination should be performed during the chinchilla’s annual wellness check.
Treating exotic pets can be an interesting learning experience, and can provide variety to a veterinarian’s day. These pets deserve quality veterinary care, and resources are available to learn more about caring for these fascinating creatures.
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